Home Australia Aussies blast new ‘Puddley’ beach after it opens along Parramatta River – so would you swim there?

Aussies blast new ‘Puddley’ beach after it opens along Parramatta River – so would you swim there?

0 comments
City of Ryde's first swimming spot on the Parramatta River opened on Wednesday

The opening of western Sydney’s latest swimming spot has seen hundreds of Australians line grassy knolls and take a dip in the Parramatta River, but many locals said they would “never” swim there.

Putney Beach, affectionately nicknamed Panly to rival Penrith’s Pondi, opened to the public on Wednesday.

City council delays in construction caused the beach to open to the public four days after its planned opening on Saturday and a year behind its original schedule.

The water quality forecast also warned swimmers that contamination would be “likely” on Monday night after heavy rain last week.

But on Wednesday, a group of local councilors and MPs gathered at the site, which includes sandstone steps and shark nets.

Ryde councilor Lyndal Howison said the opening of Putney Beach was a blast from the almost forgotten past.

“This part of the Parramatta River was home to swimming baths 100 years ago, and today, (the) City of Ryde and NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully have declared they are back in operation,” he said.

“People have asked about the water…the short answer is that it has been rigorously tested and is considered safe for swimming.”

Photos on Wednesday showed hundreds of locals gathered under partly cloudy skies in muggy 30C heat, ready to cool off.

City of Ryde’s first swimming spot on the Parramatta River opened on Wednesday

Locals and politicians were seen splashing around in the river, within the confines of the newly constructed shark net.

Locals and politicians were seen splashing around in the river, within the confines of the newly constructed shark net.

Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown and Planning Minister Paul Scully (second left) attended, and local politicians were among the first to take a dip.

Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown and Planning Minister Paul Scully (second left) attended, and local politicians were among the first to take a dip.

A team of lifeguards attended, ensuring Putney’s first swimmers were out of trouble.

However, online, it seemed that respondents were more impressed than the population, with many saying they wouldn’t dare dip a toe in the mighty (and muddy) Parra River.

‘Disgusting. “Who would swim in that disgusting river?” wrote one resident on social media.

“Contaminated water…surely I wouldn’t be swimming there,” said another.

‘Not long ago, a drop of river water splashed on my lip and I panicked. “It probably says more about me than the river, but I wouldn’t let a dog swim there, let alone a child,” a third agreed.

“How can the water quality be ‘good’ if there are signs all over the area prohibiting eating fish caught in this part of the port?” added another resident.

“You’ll come out of the water with a slight tint of neon green skin,” another joked.

Some complained that Putney Beach was not a beach at all, without a grain of sand separating the water from the grass.

But not all users were critical of the new beach.

“We give you a beach that came about thanks to a lot of hard work,” said one.

A pair of lifeguards kept watch over the protected area Wednesday as families swam in sweltering heat.

A pair of lifeguards kept watch over the protected area Wednesday as families swam in sweltering heat.

“There’s nothing wrong with swimming in the Parramatta River as long as it’s not after heavy rain,” wrote another.

‘I have swum regularly at Dawn Frazer Baths since the 1980s. The water quality is closely monitored and, when the pool is open, fecal contamination is probably below the level acceptable in normal pools.’

Another was impressed by the development of the area.

‘Twenty years ago, we couldn’t fish there because of the chemicals; now we can swim there; What a change!’ he said.

‘Great idea. Hopefully the shark nets are good. It’s worth a look.

Ryde City Mayor Trenton Brown and other councilors were among the first to cool off in the river.

“I would like to thank the State Government for their support in making the Putney Park swimming site possible,” Mr Brown said.

“Carefully curated open space like this is vital for the town of Ryde as our population and density continues to grow exponentially.”

A council spokesperson reminded the public to be aware of river conditions before swimming at Putney Beach.

‘The new swimming site is equipped with a fully fenced enclosure for the safety of swimmers.

“The council supports the safe use of the site by all swimmers, and users are reminded to always be aware of river conditions, not to swim for three days after rain and to follow the safety advice given listed on the swimming location signage at the location.

You may also like